Renaissance F, F2, F2S and M: which saddle is for you

The four Renaissance jumping saddle models look almost identical in photos, and not by chance. They weigh the same, have the same flap system, the same seat size range, and the same gullet width range. They are not successive steps on a ladder where F is the lowest and M is the highest.

What differentiates them is primarily one thing: how they position the rider. The depth and width of the seat, and in the case of F2, a higher and straighter cantle. And importantly, with Renaissance, you don't have to guess, because the manufacturer provides the seat width in centimeters. 23 for F, 25 for M, 27 for F2 and F2S. Four centimeters of difference is not a detail; it's a completely different feeling during work.

In this article, we break down these four models according to this single criterion and show what they have in common. We also explain what in this choice concerns the rider and what concerns the horse, as these are two separate decisions.

This text is for jumping riders who are considering a top-tier saddle and prefer to choose based on parameters rather than model name.

Table of Contents

1. What is the Renaissance line and what do the four models have in common
   
2. Seat depth and width, i.e., the only real difference between them
   
3. Renaissance F: flat seat and 23 centimeters
   
4. Renaissance M: medium-deep and 25 centimeters
   
5. Renaissance F2: semi-flat, 27 centimeters and a higher cantle
   
6. Renaissance F2S: same as F2 plus more room in the seat
   
7. Flap: four projections and three length variants
   
8. Panels and blocks, where the horse decides
   
9. Printed leather or calfskin lined
   
10. Saddlefitting: the same tree does not mean the same fit
    
11. Availability, test before purchase, and the used market
    
12. Common mistakes when choosing a jumping saddle
    
13. Frequently Asked Questions
    

What is the Renaissance line and what do the four models have in common?

Renaissance is a saddle line from the Italian manufacturer Prestige Italia. The company has been operating since 1974, and the Renaissance line was introduced later as a separate saddle line. The manufacturer describes it concisely and precisely: performance, close contact, and perfect balance. These three words practically mean thin panels, low weight, and geometry that ensures the rider doesn't have to struggle for position.

Before we delve into the differences, it's worth noting how much these four models have in common. Shared features include seat sizes of 16, 17, and 18 inches, gullet widths from 31 to 37, a double-flap design, four flap projections from S to XL, knee blocks in three sizes, a weight of six kilograms, and colors black, tobacco, and London.

This is a lot in common, and the consequence is clear. If you narrow your choice to the Renaissance line, you are not choosing between four completely different constructions, but between four different seats and their geometry. Everything else, including what the saddle does for the horse's back, requires a separate look at the panels and gullet width, which we discuss in the section on panels.

We covered which top riders use this line in an article about Renaissance saddles among top show jumpers. Among Equishop's ambassadors in show jumping is Marek Lewicki, and his participation in the World Championships in Aachen was described in a separate article.

Seat depth and width, i.e., the only real difference between them

The manufacturer provides the seat depth and width, and these are what differentiate these four models. The last column is our interpretation, indicating who typically benefits from a given combination.

How to interpret this: Depth indicates how much the saddle guides the pelvis. A flat seat gives the rider more freedom in positioning, while a deeper seat provides more support and stabilizes it more effectively. The seat's width, especially its narrowest point (the twist), affects pelvic comfort and thigh position. A narrower twist creates a feeling of closer contact with the saddle and allows the legs to sit closer together, while a wider twist provides more space between the thighs. This is why the same seat depth can be perceived very differently by various riders.

Four centimeters between F and F2 results in a noticeably different saddle for the same rider, even if the difference isn't visible in a picture. Therefore, the decision-making order is: first, an honest answer about what riding style you realistically use for most of your training, then the model.

Renaissance F: flat seat

The F is the most athletic and demanding of the four models. The manufacturer describes it as a saddle with excellent grip for riders seeking balance and light contact with the horse, and its narrowest seat in the range, 23 centimeters, is a direct consequence of this.

A flat seat does not guide the pelvis. It leaves the rider complete freedom and allows for instant position changes, which is an advantage when working on the course and in a clear half-seat. Thin panels complement this, allowing the rider to clearly feel the horse's back working.

The condition, however, is clear: a flat seat will not give you stability, it will merely leave you with it. A rider who needs the saddle to maintain their position will not find that in the F. This model is for someone who already rides from their own balance and wants their equipment not to hinder them.

At Equishop, you will find Renaissance F in calfskin in sizes 16, 17, and 18 inches.

Renaissance M: medium-deep

The M is often overlooked in this range, yet it's the only model that combines a medium-deep seat with a narrow cut. The manufacturer describes it as a saddle with excellent grip for riders seeking a well-contoured seat and comfort, made from top-quality leathers.

Twenty-five centimeters is a value exactly midway between F and F2, and the medium-deep seat adds the pelvic guidance that F lacks. This model is for the rider who wants to feel the horse as in F, but doesn't want to personally monitor every element of their position.

At Equishop, you will find Renaissance M in calfskin in sizes 16, 17, and 18 inches.

Renaissance F2: semi-flat with a higher cantle

F2 is an evolution of the F model, and this evolution was done in a very specific way. The tree, flap shape, and projection remained unchanged, so the rider's position is similar to that in the F. Two things changed: the cantle is higher and straighter, and the seat is wider, at 27 centimeters.

According to the manufacturer, the higher, straighter cantle and wider seat provide the rider with more comfort and stability. The semi-flat seat maintains a balance between freedom of movement and support, making the F2 suitable for both full seat and half-seat work. The F is more definitive in this regard, as it was designed with the half-seat in mind.

Since the rider's position in F and F2 is similar, switching between them should not mean having to re-learn balance. A rider accustomed to the F will only feel a difference where it's intended: in the rear support and the seat width. In this class of saddles, this is a rare situation worth leveraging when purchasing.

Check out Renaissance F2 in calfskin.

Renaissance F2S: same as F2 plus more room in the seat

The F2S is the simplest of these four models to explain, because the letter S signifies exactly one change. The seat has been modified to give the rider more room. The other technical characteristics are consistent with the F2 model.

According to the manufacturer, the model was created for riders who need more space in the seat and greater freedom of movement, without sacrificing comfort. The depth remains semi-flat, the width is 27 centimeters, and the panels are very thin.

When does the F2S make sense, and the F2 doesn't? When, in saddles of the correct seat size, you feel that it's tight, that you have to watch where the space ends, or that you cannot move freely forward and backward in the seat within the same movement. This feeling doesn't always result from the size in inches; sometimes it's simply due to the seat's cut.

The model is available as Renaissance F2S, also in sizes 16, 17, and 18 inches.

Flap: four projections and three length variants

Renaissance offers one of the widest ranges in Prestige's entire catalog, and it's worth taking advantage of, as it determines where the leg lies.

A distinction that is most often blurred in discussions about saddles: flap projection and flap length are two separate parameters. Projection indicates how far forward the flap is cut, and it is chosen based on the length of the femur and the length of the stirrup leathers, because the shorter you ride, the more the knee moves forward. Here, there are four options, from S to XL. Length indicates how far down the flap extends, and in addition to the standard variant, there are options for shortening by two centimeters, shortening by four centimeters, and lengthening by two centimeters.

In practice, this means that with Renaissance, you don't have to compromise on leg positioning. A short rider whose standard flap bunches up above their boot has the option of a four-centimeter shortening. A tall rider has the option of lengthening. Additionally, there is a choice of knee blocks in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

These three parameters are determined along with the seat size, before ordering, not after purchase. In a saddle with thin panels and athletic geometry, there is no layer that would hide incorrect knee positioning.

Panels and blocks, where the horse decides

So far, we have been talking about the rider. This section is about the horse, and it is more important, because the Renaissance tree is the same across all four models, so the choice between F, M, F2, and F2S is not a decision regarding the horse's back.

The fit to the horse is determined by the panels and the gullet width. Renaissance offers panels in several versions: Sublime with integrated latex, LPF with synthetic filling, integrated latex, and non-integrated latex. The M model comes in three of these variants, excluding the Sublime version. Additionally, the gullet width ranges from 31 to 37.

The thin panels, which are a trademark of this line, have a downside that is worth knowing. The thinner the panel, the less tolerance for imprecise fitting. A thicker panel offers some forgiveness, while a thin one transfers pressure exactly where it lies, meaning a saddle of this caliber with an ill-fitting gullet will cause harm faster than an average saddle. This is not an argument against thin panels, but against buying them without proper fitting.

Why the fitting itself cannot be assessed on a standing horse, we elaborated in an article on how saddle fitting is assessed in motion.

Printed leather or calfskin

In Renaissance, the choice of leather is narrower than in the Prestige Premium line and comes down to two options. Printed leather, and the calfskin version. Colors are black, tobacco, and London.

The difference is practical, not aesthetic. Calfskin offers excellent grip and softness from the very first rides. Printed leather has a subtle pattern on the surface, which helps to mask natural wear and tear and maintains its appearance longer, but initially, it provides less grip and requires breaking in before it becomes grippy. If you prioritize grip from day one, calfskin is the way to go. If you prioritize appearance after three seasons, the printed version is your choice.

A broader comparison of leather types used by the manufacturer can be found in the article on Prestige Italia leathers.

Saddlefitting: the same tree does not mean the same fit

You can buy the best jumping saddle in the world and harm the horse with it if it's not fitted to its back. With Renaissance, this principle has two additional dimensions.

First: the purchase of a saddle does not include a fitting service. The correct positioning of the tree and panels on the horse's back is crucial for the horse's health and riding safety, so fitting must be arranged separately, preferably before the first use. Details can be found on the saddle service and fitting page.

Second: the number of combinations. Four models, four flap projections, four variants of their length, three block sizes, several panel designs, and seven gullet widths. Finding a good combination from the catalog is a matter of chance, not selection.

At Equishop, we perform saddle fitting where we can see how the saddle works: in the stable, on your horse, in motion. Our team travels to stables throughout Poland, and the assessment begins with the horse's back, its symmetry, and its movement under the rider, not with a product card.

It is also worth knowing that the gullet width is not a life sentence, as the horse's back changes with muscle development, age, and fitness. Therefore, we offer a gullet width adjustment service.

Availability, pre-purchase trial, and the used market

With a saddle from this price range, no one should buy blindly, and with Renaissance, there's an additional justification: the four models differ in something that isn't visible in photos and cannot be deciphered from the description.

During the trial, check three things. Does the seat allow you to freely change your position within the same movement, while also not leaving you unsupported in a more difficult moment? Does your knee land on the flap where it should, by the block, and not behind it? And does the horse move freely over obstacles and not shorten its stride after the first few minutes?

If you don't know which model to start with, our saddle selection quiz can be a starting point, and leave the final decision to the saddle fitter.

A separate topic is the used market, which makes particular sense for Renaissance when you are looking for an unusual size or want to test a specific geometry before ordering a custom-made saddle. Our offer includes, among others, a used Renaissance F2 in 18 inches and a used F2S in 17 inches, and the full list can be found in the used jumping saddles category. Before making a decision, check the condition of the tree, the symmetry of the panels, and the history of gullet adjustments, which we discuss in more detail in the article on how to buy a used saddle and not overpay for a hidden problem.

Accessories from the same family also fit saddles of this line, including asymmetrical jumping girths. You can find them in the Prestige and Renaissance accessories category.

Common mistakes when choosing a jumping saddle

1. Reading F, M, F2 and F2S as consecutive levels

These are four seat geometries on the same tree, not a quality ladder. Solution: choose by seat depth and width, not by name.

2. Choosing a flat seat to force a better two-point position

A flat seat will not improve the two-point position, it will only stop correcting it. Solution: work on your seat with a trainer, and choose the geometry based on the seat you have today.

3. Treating model choice as a decision about fitting the horse

The fit to the horse is determined by the panels and gullet width, which are chosen by the saddle fitter.

4. Determining flap length and projection after purchase

In a saddle with thin panels and a sporty cut, there is no layer to hide incorrect knee positioning. Solution: determine both parameters along with the seat size.

5. Assessing fit while standing still

A saddle that fits correctly on a standing horse can restrict the shoulder blade in motion. Solution: assess at trot and canter, under the rider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between Renaissance F, F2, F2S, and M?

The depth and width of the seat, meaning how they position the rider. F has a flat seat with a width of 23 cm, M has a medium-deep seat with a width of 25 cm, and F2 and F2S have a semi-flat seat with a width of 27 cm. The tree, weight, flap system, range of seat sizes, and gullet widths are the same in these models.

Is F2 a newer version of the F model?

It's an evolution, but not a replacement. F2 retains the tree, shape, and flap projection of the F model, and changes two things: the cantle is higher and straighter, and the seat is wider. This provides more support and comfort, but a rider who wants maximum freedom in a two-point position will still choose F.

How does F2S differ from F2?

Only in the amount of space in the seat. The seat has been modified to give the rider more space and freedom of movement, while the other technical characteristics are consistent with the F2 model. The depth and width of the seat remain the same.

Which seat should I choose if I ride in both full seat and two-point position?

The manufacturer positions F clearly for two-point position, and describes F2 as a model for riders working in both full seat and two-point position. If your training is divided between the two, F2 is a natural starting point, and F2S is for when you additionally lack space in the seat.

What does seat width measured in centimeters mean?

This is the measurement of the narrowest point where the rider sits. A narrower value gives a feeling of close contact and the leg hanging close to the horse's sides, while a wider one distributes pressure over a larger area, which is more comfortable for long work, but moves you away. Four centimeters of difference between F and F2 are clearly noticeable, although they are not visible in the picture.

Does the model choice affect the fit to the horse?

No. All four models are built on the same Renaissance tree and have the same range of gullet widths, from 31 to 37. The fit to a specific back is determined by the panels and gullet width, not the letter in the model name, so choosing the seat geometry and fitting are two separate discussions.

What seat size should I choose: 16, 17, or 18 inches?

This is a compromise between the rider and the horse. The size determines the space for the pelvis, but also the length of the area where the saddle rests on the back, so on a short back, the largest size may extend into the lumbar region. It is worth remembering that the feeling of tightness in the saddle does not always result from the size in inches, sometimes from the cut of the seat, and then the answer is F2S, not a larger size.

Is fitting included in the saddle price?

No, the purchase does not include a saddle fitting service. Fitting must be arranged separately, preferably before the first use of the saddle, as the correct positioning of the tree and panels on the horse's back is crucial for its health and riding safety.

Can the gullet width be changed after purchase?

Yes, in Prestige saddles, this is a standard service procedure, and we offer it as a gullet width adjustment service. However, this is not a way to buy a saddle with an incorrect gullet width and fix it later, as the range of adjustment has its limits.

Where can I sit in these saddles before buying?

In our store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, where you can compare models side by side, and then arrange a trial on your own horse or a saddle fitter's visit to the stable. For this line, a live comparison resolves more than any description, as the differences lie in dimensions not visible in pictures.

Summary: how to choose between F, M, F2 and F2S

Renaissance is a line where the manufacturer removes the need for the rider to guess. The four models share many common features, and their main differences concern the depth and width of the seat, which the manufacturer states directly. The choice is therefore simpler than in most ranges: it starts with an honest answer to the question of what riding position you actually work in.

Most important to remember:

• F is a flat seat and 23 cm, meaning maximum freedom and closest contact, for a rider working from their own balance.
• M is a medium-deep seat and 25 cm, meaning a narrow cut with pelvis guidance that F does not provide.
• F2 is a semi-flat seat, 27 cm, and a higher cantle, while maintaining the rider's position from model F, and F2S is F2 with more space in the seat.

If you want to check which model suits your riding position and your horse, we invite you for a saddle fitting consultation. You can see the saddles live in the store at Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, arrange a trial on your own horse, or ask for a saddle fitter's visit. Technical documentation for individual models is published by the manufacturer on the Renaissance by Prestige Italia website.